Ava Monroe
Negative space gel nails are an enduring trend that has been spotted on celebrities such as Margot Robbie and Kendall Jenner. This nail art design includes gaps or windows where you can see the natural nail underneath, and can be adapted for all nail shapes and lengths. Negative space manis are low-maintenance and can last up to a month, making them a great option for those who want stylish nails without the hassle of frequent touch-ups. To achieve this look, you can prep your nails by filing them into your desired shape and applying a clear or nude base coat. Then, get creative with colours, dots, stripes, decals, and more!
How to do negative space gel nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A nail art design that includes gaps or "windows" where the natural nail underneath is visible |
| Longevity | Can last up to a month |
| Design | Can be achieved on all nail lengths by adjusting the size of the dot |
| Design | Can be created with any nail polish |
| Design | Can be adapted for all nail shapes |
| Design | Can be created with a rounded brush to form a perfect semi-circle |
| Design | Can be created with stencils |
| Steps | File nails into the desired shape and buff them to create a smooth canvas |
| Steps | Apply a clear or nude base coat |
| Steps | Draw the design on paper first |
| Design | Avoid a design that sits right up to the cuticle line |
| Design | Can be created with a single shade or multiple colours for a colour-blocking effect |
| Design | Can be created with dots, sparkly accents, decals, stripes, hearts, and other shapes |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping your nails
Next, apply a clear or nude base coat. A clear base coat will allow the natural colour of your nails to show through, while a nude base coat will add depth to your manicure. Shelton, a nail expert, recommends OPI Bubble Bath or Chanel Nail Polish in Ballerina for a nude base. You can also try Essie Unapologetic Icon for a bright white polish with a striking and futuristic negative space look.
Before you begin your nail art, take some time to get a feel for the design by drawing it on paper first. This will help you to visualise the final result and make any necessary adjustments. Consider opting for a design that doesn't sit right up to the cuticle line, as this will create a more elegant and sophisticated look.
If you are new to nail art, consider starting with a simple negative space design that only requires a few swipes of colour at the tips of your nails. You can create a simple yet stylish look with diagonal stripes in the same colour family, or try a half-moon shape with an added heart design for a cute twist. For a more complex design, you can incorporate graphic lines and drippy nails, using a white nail striper to draw on grid art and topping off the tips with drips of pastel nail polish.
Remember, negative space nail art is all about leaving some of your natural nail exposed, so feel free to experiment with different colours, dots, stripes, and decals to create a unique and eye-catching look.
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Choosing a base coat
When selecting a base coat, it is essential to opt for a product specifically designed for gel nails. Regular nail polishes will not provide the same durability and staying power as a gel-specific base coat. Look for products labelled as "gel base coat" or "base coat for gel nails" to ensure compatibility with your gel polish.
Clear or nude base coats are the best options for negative space gel nails. A clear base coat will give your nails a natural sheen while allowing the negative space to shine through. Nude base coats, on the other hand, provide a subtle hint of colour while still allowing your natural nail to show through. Shelton, a celebrity manicurist, recommends OPI Bubble Bath or Chanel Nail Polish in Ballerina as excellent choices for a nude base coat. These shades provide a perfect canvas for your nail art, adding depth to your manicure without overwhelming the design.
It is worth noting that the colour of your base coat can influence the overall look of your negative space nails. A base coat that matches your natural nail colour can help create a seamless and elegant finish. If you have a darker skin tone, consider a base coat with a hint of pink or beige to complement your nails. For lighter skin tones, a translucent or sheer base coat can provide a subtle enhancement while still showcasing the negative space design.
Additionally, consider the finish of your base coat. A high-gloss or shiny base coat can add extra depth and dimension to your manicure, especially if you plan to incorporate metallic or glitter accents. On the other hand, a matte base coat can provide a subtle and understated finish, allowing the negative space to speak for itself. Ultimately, the choice of base coat depends on your personal preference and the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve.
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Planning your design
Firstly, consider the overall look you want to achieve. Negative space nail art can be as simple or as intricate as you like. If you're new to nail art, you might want to start with a basic design, such as dots, stripes, or colour-blocking. For something more complex, you can experiment with different techniques like drippy nails, graphic lines, or even 3D embellishments.
Next, think about the colours you want to use. You can choose a single shade or experiment with multiple colours. Consider the colour of your natural nails as well, as this will be part of the overall design. Remember that negative space manicures are versatile and can be adapted to any nail shape or length, so feel free to get creative!
When planning your design, it's a good idea to draw it on paper first. This will help you visualise the final look and make any necessary adjustments. Consider the placement of the negative space and how it will complement the colours and patterns you choose. You can play with different shapes, such as half-moons, hearts, or angular lines, to create unique and interesting designs.
Another aspect to consider is the level of sparkle or shine you want to incorporate. You can add a subtle touch of glitter or go bold with gold chrome stars and crescent moons. A super shiny top coat can also enhance the overall effect of your design.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with your negative space gel nails! Try different designs on each nail or incorporate seasonal themes, such as snowflakes or holiday colours. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity flow and enjoy the process of planning your unique manicure!
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Adding colour and patterns
Negative space gel nails are a versatile and stylish manicure option. This on-trend look is easy to achieve and can be adapted for all nail shapes and lengths. The process involves leaving some parts of your natural nail exposed, creating a unique design with colour and patterns. Here are some tips and ideas for adding colour and patterns to your negative space gel nails:
Colour Blocking and Patterns:
Try colour blocking by using a few different colours together. You can create a unique and eye-catching look by pairing bright colours with negative space. For example, use a bright colour like hot pink with gold stars and crescent moons on a neutral base. Alternatively, go for a more subtle approach with pastel colours or earthy tones. Create patterns with your colour blocking by using tape to create angular lines and shapes.
Animal Prints:
Animal print is a classic style that can be easily adapted for negative space gel nails. Try a leopard print design by using a tan polish as your base and then adding leopard spots with a dotting pen. You can also experiment with other animal prints, such as zebra stripes or snake skin patterns, using tape to create clean lines.
Graphic Lines and Details:
Add graphic lines to your negative space gel nails for a modern and unique look. Use a white nail striper to draw grid art or diagonal stripes. You can also create designs such as stars, hearts, or even snowflakes for a festive touch. For a more intricate design, try hand-painted flowers or whimsical butterfly wings on a bare negative space background.
Dots and Decals:
Dots are a simple and effective way to add colour and pattern to your negative space gel nails. You can use any colour palette you like and place the dots randomly or in a specific pattern. For a more festive look, try adding snowflakes or hearts as decals.
French Manicure Twist:
Take the classic French manicure to the next level by adding a twist. Instead of the traditional white tips, use mixed colours, ombré hues, or graphic lines. You can also try an alternating French tip design, which is unique and modern and can be used with any type of polish.
With these ideas and techniques, you can create endless designs and combinations to suit your personal style. Remember to take your time and experiment with different colours and patterns to find your perfect negative space gel nail look!
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Finishing touches
Now that your gel nails are dry, it's time to add some final touches to your negative space nail art! Here are some ideas to take your manicure to the next level:
Add some sparkle
If you want to add some extra shine to your nails, consider incorporating some gold chrome stars, or a super shiny top coat. You can also try a gold sequin manicure for a subtle dose of sparkle.
Get creative with colours
Play around with different colours to create a unique look. You can try a colour-blocking effect, ombré hues, or even mix colours for an unexpected twist. If you're feeling bold, go for long square nails and eye-catching colours on each nail.
Experiment with designs
There are endless design options to choose from, such as animal print, dots, stripes, or even abstract shapes. You can also try a French manicure with a twist, like adding mixed colours or graphic lines.
Accessorise
Add some nail gems for extra drama, or try a laced-up negative space mani, which resembles the ribbons of ballet shoes.
Keep it simple
Sometimes, less is more. A few swipes of colour at the tips of your nails can brighten up your plain nails. You can also try a simple design, like alternating French tips or minimalist dots, which will still make a statement.
Remember, negative space nail art is all about getting creative and incorporating your natural nail into the design. So feel free to experiment and find what works best for you!
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